When light is applied to tissue it has an effect on the structure it encounters, and what outcome is aimed for
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Uses | Hair Removal | Benefits & Risks | Contraindications | FAQs
About IPL
Light is described in terms of its wavelength which is measured in Nanometres ( Nm). Different wavelengths have different properties
When light is applied to tissue it has an effect on the structure it encounters, and what outcome is aimed for. Typically light covers to heat in most cases with IPL, destroying the target and leaving the surrounding area unaffected. At low power light can cause a chemical change in the affected structure, as in the case of Acne treatments.
1 single treatment - £45 - £75
Price varies depending on area
2 treatments - £75 - £140
Price varies depending on area
6 treatments - £250 - £900
Price varies depending on area
8 treatments £320 - £1,250
Price varies depending on area
Uses
Treatment aims to control the production of sebum. reduce oily skin, and to kill some of the bacteria/baccili that create an environment that continues the inflammation Typical wavelengths are in the green to red visible spectrum, and this can be delivered by spending time under a clinical LED lamp with a red wavelength aimed to reduce inflammation and increase healing, blue to reduce bacteria, and green to combat inflammation and bacteria.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) wavelength of 420 nm or 530 nm are most suitable for active acne. IPL is very useful and only low levels of energy are required. Bacteria that cause Acne contain naturally occurring porphyrins. Porphyrin is a light sensitive molecule (sensitive to blue/green/yellow light). When activated the porphyrin releases singlet oxygen 0 (a very unstable version of Oxygen), This Free- radical Oxygen kills the bacteria cell.
Hair Removal
Upper Lip , PCOS, Underarm , Chest Hair, Leg hair, Intimate Hair, Face, Bikini, Back, Beard
Skin Rejuvenation
Redness and pigmentation reduction, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Skin tightening, Acne
Hair Removal
Using a wavelength that favours melanin ( the cells that are responsible for hair and skin tone), energy is applied to the area and the handset fired. This delivers energy to the hair follicle and destroys the hair’s ability to regenerate in the hair follicle.
The Program
Multiple treatments are recommended as not all hairs are in growth phase at the same tie, and the hair needs to be connected to the follicle for the treatment to be most effective. IPL is referred to as permanent hair reduction, although there may be some regrowth in the months after the treatment for any hairs that were missed or not in growth phase at the time of treatment.
Some conditions such as polycystic ovaries Syndrome ( PCOS) result in hormones driving hair growth on places such as the face or chest, and IPL may simply be a means of controlling this
Preparation
Prior to your appointment the area to be treated should be shaved. ( this prevents burning of the skin surface when melanin absorbs heat) this is best done with an electric trimmer or disposable razor
After shaving it is best to cleanse the area to remove any residual hairs. No plucking or waxing or hair removal creams must be used for up to 4 weeks.
What happens during treatment?
The skin is cleansed by the practitioner and any moles or skin tags on the area covered. A conducting gel is applied to enable the energy to pass through the skin safely and also acts as a method of cooling the surface.
The practitioner may work in small sections at a time. The handset is then applied to the skin and a shot fired. You will both be wearing safety glasses as it is a very bright flash.
At the time the shot is fired you will feel some heat enter the tissue. This is mild and does not persist. Some clients have described it as if an elastic band were to be flicked against the skin, others like a pinprick, or compared to a waxing. It is momentary.
The practitioner will continue to cover the area until complete. The gel will be removed and usually some cooling gel such as Aloe Vera or similar will be applied.
Aftercare
After the treatment the area will look a little reddened and occasionally slightly swollen, this will resolve in a few hours.
As the day goes on you may notice some of the hairs start to rise out of the follicle. This is normal.
Over the coming weeks growth will reduce as it will with repeated treatments.
How many treatments are needed?
Typically 4-6 depending on the area, sometimes more. These are usually spaced apart 4- 6 weeks.
Where can I be treated?
Upper lip
PCOS
Underarm
Chest hair
Leg hair
Intimate hair
Face
Bikini
Back
Beard
Is a patch test required?
For safety reasons, most insurance companies require a patch test to be completed ahead of the first procedure. We undertake this 24-48 hours ahead of a full treatment
The reason for this is to ascertain your skin type and expected reaction to the main treatment.
The site chosen for this is close to the proposed site of the main treatment, but inconspicuous.
3 different energy levels are used to enable the practitioner to determine the most effective setting that is also safe for your skin. Contact gel is applied and a shot is required to discover your comfort level and best skin reaction.
There will be some reddening at the site for a few hours, which is normal.
Benefits and Risks of IPL for Hair Removal
Benefits
- The handset covers a larger surface area.
- The energy levels on the device can be adjusted easily, allowing for increased energy or reduction during the same sitting
- IPL can be delivered by specially trained therapists as well as registered professionals.
Risks
As the hair follicle is beneath the skin’s natural pigmentation layer, it is contraindicated for some darker skins as it may temporarily or permanently reduce or increase pigmentation in the skin too.
Your practitioner will undertake an assessment prior to your appointment and often a test patch using 2-3 different energy levels will be performed to ascertain the skin’s likely response. This is usually in an inconspicuous area close to the targeted area. If IPL is not suitable, other types of laser technology may be better suited to clients.
Our IPL system has a specialised (fractional) type of handset that reduces this risk
Contraindications
These vary depending on the IPL treatment you attend for and your practitioner will advise on specifics. Below is a list of some of the broader contraindications
- Contagious or infectious diseases
- Epilepsy
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Must not be used on individuals who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who give a history of frequent drug use and/or alcohol binge drinking
- Heart problems
- Individuals undergoing radiation therapy. This includes radiological procedures, radiotherapy and sunlight therapy for skin conditions or seasonal affective disorder
- Cancer especially malignant skin cancers
- Immune suppressed disorders
- Pregnancy ( in particular Melasma/cholasma or “pregnancy mask”)
- Diabetes (Type 1 – Insulin dependent)
- Clotting disorders ( such as warfarin therapy, aspirin use long term, Haemophilia, hepatitis)
- Vascular disorders-Aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease, intermittent claudication
- Varicose Veins
- The presence of keloid scarring
- Previous severe reaction to IPL or laser treatment especially if it left a scar.
- Any inflammatory skin condition e.g. eczema or active Herpes Simplex.
- Vitiligo
- Care must be taken before treatment commences as some skin disorders can be exacerbated if treated with light.
- Photosensitive skin disorders
- Diabetes ( providing it is well controlled)
- Tattoos ( due to risk of fading)
- Dermatitis,Skin lesions,Psoriasis
- Porphyria- A very rare disorder.
- Clients using drugs that can cause photosensitivity. It should say on the bottle but if the client is unsure ring your local Pharmacy for clarity.( some antibiotics, Amiodarone St. John’s Wort )
- Metal implants
- Undiagnosed lesions
- Recent surgery or minor operation within the last 6 weeks
- Any illness or disorder that affects hair growth
Skin Rejuvenation
For the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles a combination approach of improving signs of ageing and maintaining the results. This can be achieved by reducing the signs of ageing:
- Reduction of Sun damage ( freckles, tanned skin),
- Reduction of redness ( broken blood vessels, rosacea, pink tone)
- Evening out of skin tone and texture
- Brightening of general complexion
IPL can also be used in the control of acne too.
Typical areas to be treated include face, neck, hands and décolletage
FAQs
Where can I get the treatments?
There are a variety of clinic sites that you may attend across the UK. Only Skin.London approved practitioners are able to provide the treatment, and will have this denoted on the clinic web page and the practitioner will have a certificate.
What is used?
Our unique fractional system is used This enables a greater surface area and less risk of adverse events such as hyperpigmentation or redness.
How is the treatment delivered?
The area to be treated is prepared by the practitioner.
The skin is cleansed by the practitioner and any moles or skin tags on the area covered. A conducting gel is applied to enable the energy to pass through the skin safely and also acts as a method of cooling the surface.
The practitioner may work in small sections at a time. The handset is then applied to the skin and a shot fired. You will both be wearing safety glasses as it is a very bright flash.
At the time the shot is fired you will feel some heat enter the tissue. This is mild and does not persist. Some clients have described it as if an elastic band were to be flicked against the skin, others like a pinprick, or compared to a waxing. It is momentary.
The practitioner will continue to cover the area until complete.
The gel will be removed and usually some cooling gel such as Aloe Vera or similar will be applied.
How is the downtime?
This will be determined by the type of treatment you have, and your ability to recover, and adherence to post procedure instructions.
For pigmentation reduction, often the targeted pigmentation will temporarily darken and flake off in the coming days and weeks as the skin rejuvenates.
Red vessels may also temporarily darken as the vessel closes down, and the body removes them as is a waste product.
Is IPL painful?
Some include tingling, a feeling of heat, and tightness during and after the treatment.
It is important that any discomfort be reported to the practitioner. More discomfort does not always mean more effectiveness.
How may treatments are needed?
Typically programs of treatment are 4-6 sessions spaced either days or weeks apart.
Silvery Blue
What makes us unique?
Silvery Blue aims to reshape the healthcare and aesthetic industry with innovative ideas & technologies while preserving the essence of natural health and well being of human being. Our strategy is to empower medical and aesthetic professionals around the globe with a holistic approach to treatment and care. We provide a complete one stop solution from training, treatment, equipment supply, product delivery to quality control and compliance; all under one umbrella – “Silvery Blue”.